Terrorism: Successful/Unsuccessful

It’s been quite a while since I last shared my thoughts with you all. But I’ve never really been away from writing. Today, I felt that familiar, unstoppable urge again—so I picked up my pen (not technically, I’m typing!) to speak on a burning topic: Terrorism.

#911 attacks: Begins the 21st Century Terrorism

Initially, I thought of titling this blog “Terrorism in India,” but then, as you’d agree, terrorism isn’t just India’s burden. It’s a global menace. Every corner of the world has faced it—even the “most powerful” country, the USA. In fact, I recently watched the #Netflix series American Manhunt: The Search for Osama Bin Laden, and it gave me a wild rush of dopamine, serotonin, endorphins—basically, a storm of emotions. Watching the footage of #9/11 and the Twin Towers collapsing shook me all over again. America took its time, but eventually, it dealt with the butcher behind the attack.

Our India, too, has long suffered terrorism—often born out of religious tensions and border disputes. The recent attack in #Pahalgam has jolted us. In response, India struck back, targeting terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and declaring the success of #OperationSindoor. But a question keeps echoing in my mind: Did we actually win?

I don’t think so.

This attack wasn’t just a strike on innocent lives—it was a strike at our unity. It aimed to create a communal divide. And unfortunately, it did. Just look around—you’ll see the evidence everywhere. So if anyone won, it’s the terrorists.

Heinous terrorist attach in #Pahalgam on tourists

It’s not just my opinion. If you watch American Manhunt, it conveys a similar message—terrorism succeeds when it plants distrust and hatred among people. Many of you would agree that in today’s world, especially after the 21st-century terror attacks, we judge religion, nationality, and borders before we even consider humanity.

Don’t get me wrong—I’m not suggesting we let terrorists go free. We must defend our nation and dismantle the machinery behind terrorism. But in doing so, let’s not turn against each other. The war is with the mindset, not with our neighbors.

After Pahalgam, two main versions of the narrative emerged:

Version 1: Terrorist groups operating from Pakistan are behind the attacks, and we must retaliate.

Version 2: The Indian government is allegedly using these events to polarize voters along religious lines—an angle pushed by Pakistan and certain separatist voices.

I naturally lean toward Version 1, though I admit—it sounds a bit shady. Don’t judge me just yet—I have my reasons. If we could track terrorist hideouts across the border, how were we unable to catch or neutralize the attackers within our own territory, right after they struck innocent tourists in Pahalgam?

So no, I’m not entirely convinced by either version. But since “choosing sides” seems to be mandatory these days, let’s just say I’ll stick with Version 1—with a pinch of doubt. Either way, I’m relieved that we managed to dismantle some of their bases in Pakistan.

But again, the real question remains—are we truly successful?

Look at social media—it’s flooded with divisive content. People whisper against each other based on religion. Tea stall conversations have turned into hate-fueled debates. The terrorists might be gone, but their goal has taken root—communal harmony in India is crumbling.

Religions, in their essence, are beautiful. But honestly, looking at today’s reality, I almost wish our future generations become atheists. Maybe then, terrorism would lose its motive and meaning.

Because right now, terrorism has succeeded in doing what it intended—breaking our unity.And we’ve forgotten one fundamental truth: India’s strength has always been in peaceful coexistence—despite, and because of, our differences.

Don’t you think so?